Running for Your Life: Trampoline Gold

Go Canada! In the Summer Olympics the Bronze Nation is known for distinguishing itself with (a half-lifetime in the United States has taught me there is no point in getting excited about games and athletics unless you compete with a ferocity verging on illegality – yes way, talking about YOU American Women Soccer – and win the gold) strong and noble performances that rarely result in being No. 1 in the world. So far (Day 12), we are Trampoline Gold. Women’s Trampoline, courtesy of the perky, cereal-box cutie Rosie MacLennan, who told reporters after pulling off a spectacular final routine, I “might as well leave it all on the trampoline.”

Not basketball. Or soccer. Or diving, swimming, or equestrian. But trampoline. Watching the Olympics in a U.S. office where the odds are stacked against non-American competitors in the marquee games: basketball, soccer and volleyball, and patriots stand ready to cheer the inevitable crowning of American majesty, the idea that Canada, my beloved country of birth, is embracing Rosie and the trampoline is gratifying – and, dare I say it, a truly Canadian-esque victory. The nation of Who Do You Think You Are? is a perfect fit for Trampoline Gold. The trampoline’s an Olympic sport? It’s not a warm-up tool? Who knew?

Well, Rosie knew. And now I picture office workers all over Canada, from Nova Scotia to Toronto to Victoria, doing silent, butt lifts in their office chairs. Suddenly, they are up and down and up and down. A spring in their step, as they cheerily make their way to the water cooler. In WW II, the US had Rosie the Riveter, in London 2012, Canada has Rosie the Trampoliner.

When it comes to the Olympics, I’m down with the Bronze Nation. Only the Top 7 nations have more bronze medals than Canada .¤.¤. Give me Trampoline Gold any day!

Next: Running for Your Life: Running Without Race Goals